Plasma erosion resistant rare-earth oxide based thin film coatings

ABSTRACT

An article comprises a body and at least one protective layer on at least one surface of the body. The at least one protective layer is a thin film having a thickness of less than approximately 20 microns that comprises a ceramic selected from a group consisting of Y 3 Al 5 O 12 , Y 4 Al 2 O 9 , Er 2 O 3 , Gd 2 O 3 , Er 3 Al 5 O 12 , Gd 3 Al 5 O 12  and a ceramic compound comprising Y 4 Al 2 O 9  and a solid-solution of Y 2 O 3 —ZrO 2 .

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/306,583 filed Jun. 17, 2014, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/837,595, filed Jun. 20, 2013. application Ser. No. 14/306,583 is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to chamber components having a thin film plasma resistant protective layer.

BACKGROUND

In the semiconductor industry, devices are fabricated by a number of manufacturing processes producing structures of an ever-decreasing size. Some manufacturing processes such as plasma etch and plasma clean processes expose a substrate to a high-speed stream of plasma to etch or clean the substrate. The plasma may be highly corrosive, and may corrode processing chambers and other surfaces that are exposed to the plasma.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

FIG. 1 depicts a sectional view of one embodiment of a processing chamber.

FIGS. 2A-5 depict cross sectional side views of example articles with protective layer stacks on one surface.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a process for forming one or more protective layers over an article.

FIG. 7A depicts a deposition mechanism applicable to a variety of deposition techniques utilizing energetic particles such as ion assisted deposition (IAD).

FIG. 7B depicts a schematic of an IAD deposition apparatus.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate erosion rates for thin film protective layers formed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate roughness profiles for thin film protective layers formed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide an article such as a chamber component for a processing chamber having a thin film protective layer on one or more surfaces of the article. The protective layer may have a thickness below approximately 20 microns, and may provide plasma corrosion resistance for protection of the article. The protective layer may be formed on the article using ion assisted deposition (IAD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD). The thin film protective layer may be used as a top coat over a thick film protective layer, which may have been formed using, for example, plasma spraying techniques. In some embodiments, a thin film protective layer stack comprising two or more thin film protective layers is formed on the article. In such embodiments, each thin film protective layer may be formed by IAD or PVD and may be around 20 microns or less in thickness. The thin film protective layer may be Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, Gd₃Al₅O₁₂, or a ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. The improved erosion resistance provided by the thin film protective layer may improve the service life of the article, while reducing maintenance and manufacturing cost.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a semiconductor processing chamber 100 having one or more chamber components that are coated with a thin film protective layer in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The processing chamber 100 may be used for processes in which a corrosive plasma environment is provided. For example, the processing chamber 100 may be a chamber for a plasma etcher or plasma etch reactor, a plasma cleaner, and so forth. Examples of chamber components that may include a thin film protective layer include a substrate support assembly 148, an electrostatic chuck (ESC) 150, a ring (e.g., a process kit ring or single ring), a chamber wall, a base, a gas distribution plate, a showerhead, a liner, a liner kit, a shield, a plasma screen, a flow equalizer, a cooling base, a chamber viewport, a chamber lid 104, and so on. The thin film protective layer, which is described in greater detail below, may include Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG), Y₄Al₂O₉ (YAM), Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂ (EAG), Gd₃Al₅O₁₂ (GAG) and/or a ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. The thin film protective layer may also include Y₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ based ceramics, Er₂O₃ based ceramics, Gd₂O₃ based ceramics, and other rare earth oxides.

The thin film protective layer may be an IAD or PVD coating applied over different ceramics including oxide based ceramics, Nitride based ceramics and Carbide based ceramics. Examples of oxide based ceramics include SiO₂ (quartz), Al₂O₃, Y₂O₃, and so on. Examples of Carbide based ceramics include SiC, Si—SiC, and so on. Examples of Nitride based ceramics include AlN, SiN, and so on. IAD or PVD coating target material can be calcined powders, preformed lumps (e.g., formed by green body pressing, hot pressing, and so on), a sintered body (e.g., having 50-100% density), a machined body (e.g., can be ceramic, metal, or a metal alloy), or a pre-melt (100% density). The substrate can also be metal substrates such as Al, Ti, stainless steel, or anodized Al.

As illustrated, the substrate support assembly 148 has a thin film protective layer 136, in accordance with one embodiment. However, it should be understood that any of the other chamber components, such as those listed above, may also include a thin film protective layer.

In one embodiment, the processing chamber 100 includes a chamber body 102 and a showerhead 130 that enclose an interior volume 106. The showerhead may include a showerhead base and a showerhead gas distribution plate. Alternatively, the showerhead 130 may be replaced by a lid and a nozzle in some embodiments. The chamber body 102 may be fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel or other suitable material. The chamber body 102 generally includes sidewalls 108 and a bottom 110. Any of the showerhead 130 (or lid and/or nozzle), sidewalls 108 and/or bottom 110 may include a thin film protective layer.

An outer liner 116 may be disposed adjacent the sidewalls 108 to protect the chamber body 102. The outer liner 116 may be fabricated and/or coated with a thin film protective layer. In one embodiment, the outer liner 116 is fabricated from aluminum oxide.

An exhaust port 126 may be defined in the chamber body 102, and may couple the interior volume 106 to a pump system 128. The pump system 128 may include one or more pumps and throttle valves utilized to evacuate and regulate the pressure of the interior volume 106 of the processing chamber 100.

The showerhead 130 may be supported on the sidewall 108 of the chamber body 102. The showerhead 130 (or lid) may be opened to allow access to the interior volume 106 of the processing chamber 100, and may provide a seal for the processing chamber 100 while closed. A gas panel 158 may be coupled to the processing chamber 100 to provide process and/or cleaning gases to the interior volume 106 through the showerhead 130 or lid and nozzle. Showerhead 130 is used for processing chambers used for dielectric etch (etching of dielectric materials). The showerhead 130 includes a gas distribution plate (GDP) 133 having multiple gas delivery holes 132 throughout the GDP 133. The showerhead 130 may include the GDP 133 bonded to an aluminum base or an anodized aluminum base 104. The GDP 133 may be made from Si or SiC, or may be a ceramic such as Y₂O₃, Al₂O₃, YAG, and so forth.

For processing chambers used for conductor etch (etching of conductive materials), a lid may be used rather than a showerhead. The lid may include a center nozzle that fits into a center hole of the lid. The lid may be a ceramic such as Al₂O₃, Y₂O₃, YAG, or a ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. The nozzle may also be a ceramic, such as Y₂O₃, YAG, or the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. The lid, showerhead base 104, GDP 133 and/or nozzle may be coated with a thin film protective layer.

Examples of processing gases that may be used to process substrates in the processing chamber 100 include halogen-containing gases, such as C₂F₆, SF₆, SiCl₄, HBr, NF₃, CF₄, CHF₃, Cl₂, CCl₄, BCl₃ and SiF₄, among others, and other gases such as O₂, or N₂O. Examples of carrier gases include N₂, He, Ar, and other gases inert to process gases (e.g., non-reactive gases). The substrate support assembly 148 is disposed in the interior volume 106 of the processing chamber 100 below the showerhead 130 or lid. The substrate support assembly 148 holds the substrate 144 during processing. A ring 146 (e.g., a single ring) may cover a portion of the electrostatic chuck 150, and may protect the covered portion from exposure to plasma during processing. The ring 146 may be silicon or quartz in one embodiment.

An inner liner 118 may be coated on the periphery of the substrate support assembly 148. The inner liner 118 may be a halogen-containing gas resist material such as those discussed with reference to the outer liner 116. In one embodiment, the inner liner 118 may be fabricated from the same materials of the outer liner 116. Additionally, the inner liner 118 may be coated with a thin film protective layer.

In one embodiment, the substrate support assembly 148 includes a mounting plate 162 supporting a pedestal 152, and an electrostatic chuck 150. The electrostatic chuck 150 further includes a thermally conductive base 164 and an electrostatic puck 166 bonded to the thermally conductive base by a bond 138, which may be a silicone bond in one embodiment. An upper surface of the electrostatic puck 166 is covered by the thin film protective layer 136 in the illustrated embodiment. In one embodiment, the thin film protective layer 136 is disposed on the upper surface of the electrostatic puck 166. In another embodiment, the thin film protective layer 136 is disposed on the entire exposed surface of the electrostatic chuck 150 including the outer and side periphery of the thermally conductive base 164 and the electrostatic puck 166. The mounting plate 162 is coupled to the bottom 110 of the chamber body 102 and includes passages for routing utilities (e.g., fluids, power lines, sensor leads, etc.) to the thermally conductive base 164 and the electrostatic puck 166.

The thermally conductive base 164 and/or electrostatic puck 166 may include one or more optional embedded heating elements 176, embedded thermal isolators 174 and/or conduits 168, 170 to control a lateral temperature profile of the support assembly 148. The conduits 168, 170 may be fluidly coupled to a fluid source 172 that circulates a temperature regulating fluid through the conduits 168, 170. The embedded isolator 174 may be disposed between the conduits 168, 170 in one embodiment. The heater 176 is regulated by a heater power source 178. The conduits 168, 170 and heater 176 may be utilized to control the temperature of the thermally conductive base 164, thereby heating and/or cooling the electrostatic puck 166 and a substrate (e.g., a wafer) 144 being processed. The temperature of the electrostatic puck 166 and the thermally conductive base 164 may be monitored using a plurality of temperature sensors 190, 192, which may be monitored using a controller 195.

The electrostatic puck 166 may further include multiple gas passages such as grooves, mesas and other surface features, that may be formed in an upper surface of the puck 166 and/or the thin film protective layer 136. The gas passages may be fluidly coupled to a source of a heat transfer (or backside) gas such as He via holes drilled in the puck 166. In operation, the backside gas may be provided at controlled pressure into the gas passages to enhance the heat transfer between the electrostatic puck 166 and the substrate 144.

The electrostatic puck 166 includes at least one clamping electrode 180 controlled by a chucking power source 182. The electrode 180 (or other electrode disposed in the puck 166 or base 164) may further be coupled to one or more RF power sources 184, 186 through a matching circuit 188 for maintaining a plasma formed from process and/or other gases within the processing chamber 100. The sources 184, 186 are generally capable of producing RF signal having a frequency from about 50 kHz to about 3 GHz and a power of up to about 10,000 Watts.

FIGS. 2A-5 illustrate cross sectional side views of articles (e.g., chamber components) covered by one or more thin film protective layers. Referring to FIG. 2A, at least a portion of a base or body 205 of an article 200 is coated by a thin film protective layer 208. The article 200 may be a chamber component, such as a substrate support assembly, an electrostatic chuck (ESC), a ring (e.g., a process kit ring or single ring), a chamber wall, a base, a gas distribution plate or showerhead, a liner, a liner kit, a shield, a plasma screen, a flow equalizer, a cooling base, a chamber viewport, a chamber lid, and so on. The body 205 of the article 200 may be a metal, a ceramic, a metal-ceramic composite, a polymer, or a polymer-ceramic composite.

Various chamber components are composed of different materials. For example, an electrostatic chuck may be composed of a ceramic such as Al₂O₃ (alumina), AlN (aluminum nitride), TiO (titanium oxide), TiN (titanium nitride) or SiC (silicon carbide) bonded to an anodized aluminum base. Al₂O₃, AlN and anodized aluminum have poor plasma erosion resistance. When exposed to a plasma environment with a Fluorine chemistry and/or reducing chemistry, an electrostatic puck of an electrostatic chuck may exhibit degraded wafer chucking, increased He leakage rate, wafer front-side and back-side particle production and on-wafer metal contamination after about 50 radio frequency hours (RFHrs) of processing. A radio frequency hour is an hour of processing.

A lid for a plasma etcher used for conductor etch processes may be a sintered ceramic such as Al₂O₃ since Al₂O₃ has a high flexural strength and high thermal conductivity. However, Al₂O₃ exposed to Fluorine chemistries forms AlF particles as well as aluminum metal contamination on wafers. Some chamber lids have a thick film protective layer on a plasma facing side to minimize particle generation and metal contamination and to prolong the life of the lid. However, most thick film coating techniques have a long lead time. Additionally, for most thick film coating techniques special surface preparation is performed to prepare the article to be coated (e.g., the lid) to receive the coating. Such long lead times and coating preparation steps can increase cost and reduce productivity, as well as inhibit refurbishment. Additionally, most thick-film coatings have inherent cracks and pores that might degrade on-wafer defect performance.

A process kit ring and a single ring are used to seal and/or protect other chamber components, and are typically manufactured from quartz or silicon. These rings may be disposed around a supported substrate (e.g., a wafer) to ensure a uniform plasma density (and thus uniform etching). However, quartz and silicon have very high erosion rates under various etch chemistries (e.g., plasma etch chemistries). Additionally, such rings may cause particle contamination when exposed to plasma chemistries. The process kit ring and single ring may also consist of sintered ceramics such as YAG and or ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂.

The showerhead for an etcher used to perform dielectric etch processes is typically made of anodized aluminum bonded to a SiC faceplate. When such a showerhead is exposed to plasma chemistries including fluorine, AlF may form due to plasma interaction with the anodized aluminum base. Additionally, a high erosion rate of the anodized aluminum base may lead to arcing and ultimately reduce a mean time between cleaning for the showerhead.

A chamber viewport (also known as an endpoint window) is a transparent component typically made of quartz or sapphire. Various optical sensors may be protected by the viewport, and may make optical sensor readings through the viewport. Additionally, a viewport may enable a user to visually inspect or view wafers during processing. Both quartz and sapphire have poor plasma erosion resistance. As the plasma chemistry erodes and roughens the viewport, the optical properties of the viewport change. For example, the viewport may become cloudy and/or an optical signal passing through the viewport may become skewed. This may impair an ability of the optical sensors to collect accurate readings. However, thick film protective layers may be inappropriate for use on the viewport because these coatings may occlude the viewport.

The examples provided above set forth just a few chamber components whose performance may be improved by use of a thin film protective layer as set forth in embodiments herein.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, a body 205 of the article 200 may include one or more surface features, such as the mesa illustrated in FIG. 2A. For an electrostatic chuck, surface features may include mesas, sealing bands, gas channels, helium holes, and so forth. For a showerhead, surface features may include a bond line, hundreds or thousands of holes for gas distribution, divots or bumps around gas distribution holes, and so forth. Other chamber components may have other surface features.

The thin film protective layer 208 formed on the body 205 may conform to the surface features of the body 205. As shown, the thin film protective layer 208 maintains a relative shape of the upper surface of the body 205 (e.g., telegraphing the shapes of the mesa). Additionally, the thin film coating may be thin enough so as not to plug holes in the showerhead or He holes in the electrostatic chuck. In one embodiment, the thin film protective layer 208 has a thickness of below about 20 microns. In a further embodiment, the thin film protective layer has a thickness of between about 0.5 microns to about 7 microns.

The thin film protective layer 208 is a deposited ceramic layer that may be formed on the body 205 of the article 200 using an ion assisted deposition (IAD) process or a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. One example IAD process that may be performed is electron beam ion assisted deposition (EB-IAD). The IAD or PVD deposited thin film protective layer 208 may have a relatively low film stress (e.g., as compared to a film stress caused by plasma spraying or sputtering). The relatively low film stress may cause the lower surface of the body 205 to be very flat, with a curvature of less than about 50 microns over the entire body for a body with a 12 inch diameter. The IAD or PVD deposited thin film protective layer 208 may additionally have a porosity that is less than 1%, and less than about 0.1% in some embodiments. Therefore, the IAD or PVD deposited protective layer is a dense structure, which can have performance benefits for application on a chamber component. Additionally, the IAD or PVD deposited protective layer 208 may be deposited without first roughening the upper surface of the body 205 or performing other time consuming surface preparation steps. Since roughening the body may reduce a breakdown voltage of the body 205, the ability to apply the thin film protective layer 208 without first roughening the body 205 may be beneficial for some applications (e.g., for an electrostatic chuck).

Examples of ceramics that may be used to form the thin film protective layer 208 include Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, Gd₃Al₅O₁₂, or a ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ (Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ solid solution). Other Er based and/or Gd based plasma resistant rare earth oxides may also be used to form the thin film protective layer 208. In one embodiment, the thin film protective layer is YAG composed of 35 mol % Y₂O₃ and 65 mol % Al₂O₃. In another embodiment, the ceramic coating can be YAG composed of 30-40 mol % Y₂O₃ and 60-70 mol % Al₂O₃. In one embodiment, the ceramic compound includes 62.93 mol % Y₂O₃, 23.23 mol % ZrO₂ and 13.94 mol % Al₂O₃. In another embodiment, the ceramic compound can include Y₂O₃ in a range of 50-75 mol %, ZrO₂ in a range of 10-30 mol % and Al₂O₃ in a range of 10-30 mol %. In other embodiments, other distributions may also be used for the ceramic compound. Any of the aforementioned ceramics may include trace amounts of other materials such as ZrO₂, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, B₂O₃, Er₂O₃, Nd₂O₃, Nb₂O₅, CeO₂, Sm₂O₃, Yb₂O₃, or other oxides.

TABLE 1 Material properties for IAD deposited YAG, Er₂O₃, BAG and ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. Bulk Thin-film coating Property 92% Al₂O₃ Ceramic Compound YAG Er₂O₃ EAG Breakdown 363 2500 (5 μm 6800 (5 μm) 527 (5 μm 900 (5 μm Voltage (V) coating) coating) coating) Volume >0.01E16 4.1E16 11.3E16  Resistivity (Ω · cm) Dielectric 9.2 9.83 +/− 0.04 9.76 +/− 0.01 9.67 9.54  Constant Loss Tangent    5E−4   4E−4   4E−4   4E−4  4E−4 Thermal 18 19.9 20.1  19.4  19.2  Conductivity (W/m-K) Roughness 8 Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged (μin) Seal Band 8.66 OSB 8.5 OSB 8.43 OSB Mesa Heights 7.44 ISB 7.33 ISB 5.69 ISB (μin) Adhesion N/A >28 >32    Over 92% Al₂O₃ (MPa) Hermiticity    <1E−6 1.2E−9  4.4E−10 5.5E−9 9.5E−10 (He leak rate) (cm³/s) Hardness 12.14 7.825 8.5 5.009 9.057 (GPa) Wear Rate 0.2 0.14 0.113 0.176 (nm/RFhr)

Table 1 shows material properties for a substrate of 92% Al₂O₃ (alumina) and for various thin film protective layers coating a substrate of 92% Al₂O₃. As shown, the alumina substrate has a breakdown voltage of 363 Volts/mil (V/mil). In contrast, a 5 micron (μm) coating of the IAD deposited ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ has a breakdown voltage of 2500 V (much more than the normalized value of 363 Volts/mil for alumina). A 5 μm coating of the IAD deposited YAG has a breakdown voltage of 6800 V. A 5 μm coating of the IAD deposited Er₂O₃ has a breakdown voltage of 527 V. A 5 μm coating of the IAD deposited EAG has a breakdown voltage of 900 V.

A volume resistivity of the alumina is around 0.01×10¹⁶ (0.01E16) Ω·cm at room temperature. A volume resistivity of the ceramic compound thin film protective layer is about 4.1E16 Ω·cm at room temperature, and a volume resistivity of the YAG thin film protective layer is about 11.3E16 Ω·cm at room temperature.

A dielectric constant of the alumina is about 9.2, a dielectric constant of the ceramic compound thin film is about 9.83, a dielectric constant of the YAG thin film is about 9.76, a dielectric constant of the Er₂O₃ thin film is about 9.67, and a dielectric constant of the EAG thin film is about 9.54. A loss tangent of the alumina is about 5E-4, a loss tangent of the ceramic compound thin film is about 4E-4, a loss tangent of the YAG thin film is about 4E-4, a loss tangent of the Er₂O₃ thin film is about 4E-4, and a loss tangent of the EAG thin film is about 4E-4. A thermal conductivity of the alumina is about 18 W/m-K, a thermal conductivity of the ceramic compound thin film is about 19.9 W/m-K, a thermal conductivity of the YAG thin film is about 20.1 W/m-K, a thermal conductivity of the Er₂O₃ thin film is about 19.4 W/m-K, and a thermal conductivity of the EAG thin film is about 19.2 W/m-K.

The alumina substrate may have a starting roughness of approximately 8 microinches in one embodiment, and that starting roughness may be approximately unchanged in all of the thin film protective layers. Feature heights such as inner seal band (ISB) mesa heights and outer seal band (OSB) mesa heights may also be approximately unchanged as a result of deposition of any of the thin film protective layers, as shown. Adhesion strength of the thin film protective layers to the alumina substrate may be above 28 mega pascals (MPa) for the ceramic compound thin film and above 32 MPa for the YAG thin film. Adhesion strength may be determined by measuring the amount of force used to separate the thin film protective layer from the substrate. Hermiticity measures the sealing capacity that can be achieved using the thin film protective layer. As shown, a He leak rate of around 1E-6 cubic centimeters per second (cm3/s) can be achieved using alumina, a He leak rate of around 1.2E-9 can be achieved using the ceramic compound, a He leak rate of around 4.4E-10 can be achieved using YAG, a He leak rate of around 5.5E-9 can be achieved using Er2O3 and a He leak rate of around 9.5E-10 can be achieved using EAG. Lower He leak rates indicate an improved seal. Each of the example thin film protective layers has a lower He leak rate than the Al2O3 substrate.

Each of Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, Gd₃Al₅O₁₂, and the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ have a high hardness that may resist wear during plasma processing. As shown, alumina has a Vickers hardness (5 Kgf) of around 12.14 Giga pascals (GPa), the ceramic compound has a hardness of around 7.825 GPa, YAG has a hardness of around 8.5 GPa, Er₂O₃ has a hardness of around 5.009 GPa, and EAG has a hardness of around 9.057 GPa. A measured wear rate of alumina is around 0.2 nanometers per radio frequency hour (nm/RFhr), a wear rate of the ceramic compound is about 0.14 nm/RFhr, a wear rate of Er₂O₃ is about 0.113 nm/RFhr, and a wear rate of EAG is about 0.176 nm/RFhr.

Note that the Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, Gd₃Al₅O₁₂, and the ceramic compound may be modified such that the material properties and characteristics identified above may vary by up to 30% in some embodiments. Accordingly, the described values for these material properties should be understood as example achievable values. The ceramic thin film protective layers described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the provided values.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of an article 250 having a body 255 coated by a thin film protective layer 258. As shown, the body 255 may be devoid of features. In one embodiment, the body 255 is polished prior to deposition of the thin film protective layer 258. Rather than having features in the body 255, features may be formed in the thin film protective layer 258. For example, the thin film protective layer 258 may be masked and then etched or bead blasted to remove unmasked portions of the thin film protective layer 258. The features can also be formed by masking the substrate and then applying the thin coating. Formed features may include mesas, channels, seal rings, exposed bond lines (e.g., of a showerhead), and so forth. Additionally, holes may be drilled in the thin film protective layer, such as by laser drilling. If features are to be formed in the thin film protective layer 258, the thin film protective layer should preferably have a thickness that is great enough to accommodate the features. For example, if 12 μm mesas are to be formed in the thin film protective layer, then the thin film protective layer 258 should have a thickness that is greater than 12 μm. In other embodiments, some features may be formed in the body 255, and other features may be formed in the thin film protective layer 258.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of an article 300 having a thick protective layer 330 and a thin film protective layer 308. The thick protective layer may be Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Y₂O₃, or the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. Other plasma resistant ceramics may also be used for the thick protective layer 330.

The thick protective layer 330 may be a thick film protective layer, which may have been thermally sprayed (e.g., plasma sprayed) onto the body 305. An upper surface of the body 305 may be roughened prior to plasma spraying the thick film protective layer onto it. The roughening may be performed, for example, by bead blasting the body 305. Roughening the upper surface of the body provides anchor points to create a mechanical bond between the plasma sprayed thick film protective layer and the body 305 for better adhesion. The thick film protective layer may have an as sprayed thickness of up to about 200 microns or thicker, and may be ground down to a final thickness of approximately 50 microns in some embodiments. A plasma sprayed thick film protective layer may have a porosity of about 2-4%.

Alternatively, the thick protective layer 330 may be a bulk sintered ceramic that has been bonded to the body 305. The thick protective layer 330 may be provided, for example, as a thin ceramic wafer having a thickness of approximately 200 microns.

The thin film protective layer 308 may be applied over the thick protective layer 330 using IAD or PVD. The thin film protective layer 308 may act as a top coat, and may act as an erosion resistant barrier and seal an exposed surface of the thick protective layer 330 (e.g., seal inherent surface cracks and pores in the thick protective layer 330).

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of an article 400 having a thin film protective layer stack 406 deposited over a body 405 of the article 400. Each thin film protective layer 408, 410 in the thin film protective layer stack 406 may be one of Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG), Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, Gd₃Al₅O₁₂, and the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. In one embodiment, the same ceramic material is not used for two adjacent thin film protective layers. However, in another embodiment adjacent layers may be composed of the same ceramic.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of an article 500 having a thin film protective layer stack 506 deposited over a body 505 of the article 500. Article 500 is similar to article 400, except that thin film protective layer stack 506 has four thin film protective layers 508, 510, 515, 518.

The thin film protective layer stacks (such as those illustrated) may have any number of thin film protective layers. The thin film protective layers in a stack may all have the same thickness, or they may have varying thicknesses. Each of the thin film protective layers may have a thickness of less than approximately 20 microns, and less than approximately 10 microns in some embodiments. In one example, a first layer 408 may have a thickness of 3 microns, and a second layer 410 may have a thickness of 3 microns. In another example, first layer 508 may be a YAG layer having a thickness of 2 microns, second layer 510 may be a compound ceramic layer having a thickness of 1 micron, third layer 515 may be a YAG layer having a thickness of 1 micron, and fourth layer 518 may be a compound ceramic layer having a thickness of 1 micron.

The selection of the number of ceramic layers and the composition of the ceramic layers to use may be based on a desired application and/or a type of article being coated. EAG and YAG thin film protective layers formed by IAD and PVD typically have an amorphous structure. In contrast, the IAD and PVD deposited compound ceramic and Er2O3 layers typically have a crystalline or nano-crystalline structure. Crystalline and nano-crystalline ceramic layers may generally be more erosion resistant than amorphous ceramic layers. However, in some instances thin film ceramic layers having a crystalline structure or nano-crystalline structure may experience occasional vertical cracks (cracks that run approximately in the direction of the film thickness and approximately perpendicular to the coated surface). Such vertical cracks may be caused by lattice mismatch and may be points of attack for plasma chemistries. Each time the article is heated and cooled, the mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion between the thin film protective layer and the substrate that it coats cause stress on the thin film protective layer. Such stress may be concentrated at the vertical cracks. This may cause the thin film protective layer to eventually peel away from the substrate that it coats. In contrast, if there are not vertical cracks, then the stress is approximately evenly distributed across the thin film. Accordingly, in one embodiment a first layer 408 in the thin film protective layer stack 406 is an amorphous ceramic such as YAG or EAG, and the second layer 410 in the thin film protective layer stack 406 is a crystalline or nano-crystalline ceramic such as the ceramic compound or Er₂O₃. In such an embodiment, the second layer 410 may provide greater plasma resistance as compared to the first layer 408. By forming the second layer 410 over the first layer 408 rather than directly over the body 405, the first layer 408 acts as a buffer to minimize lattice mismatch on the subsequent layer. Thus, a lifetime of the second layer 410 may be increased.

In another example, each of the body, Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG), Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, Gd₃Al₅O₁₂, and the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ may have a different coefficient of thermal expansion. The greater the mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion between two adjacent materials, the greater the likelihood that one of those materials will eventually crack, peel away, or otherwise lose its bond to the other material. The protective layer stacks 406, 506 may be formed in such a way to minimize mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between adjacent layers (or between a layer and a body 405, 505). For example, body 505 may be alumina, and EAG may have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is closest to that of alumina, followed by the coefficient of thermal expansion for YAG, followed by the coefficient of thermal expansion for the compound ceramic. Accordingly, first layer 508 may be EAG, second layer 510 may be YAG, and third layer 515 may be the compound ceramic in one embodiment.

In another example, the layers in the protective layer stack 506 may be alternating layers of two different ceramics. For example, first layer 508 and third layer 515 may be YAG, and second layer 510 and fourth layer 518 may be the compound ceramic. Such alternating layers may provide advantages similar to those set forth above in cases where one material used in the alternating layers is amorphous and the other material used in the alternating layers is crystalline or nano-crystalline.

In some embodiments, one of more of the layers in the thin film protective layer stacks 406, 506 are transition layers formed using a heat treatment. If the body 405, 505 is a ceramic body, then a high temperature heat treatment may be performed to promote interdiffusion between a thin film protective layer and the body. Additionally, the heat treatment may be performed to promote interdiffusion between adjacent thin film protective layers or between a thick protective layer and a thin film protective layer. Notably, the transition layer may be a non-porous layer. The transition layer may act as a diffusion bond between two ceramics, and may provide improved adhesion between the adjacent ceramics. This may help prevent a protective layer from cracking, peeling off, or stripping off during plasma processing.

The thermal treatment may be a heat treatment at up to about 1400-1600 degrees C. for a duration of up to about 24 hours (e.g., 3-6 hours in one embodiment). This may create an interdiffusion layer between a first thin film protective layer and one or more of an adjacent ceramic body, thick protective layer or second thin film protective layer. If the ceramic body is Al₂O₃, and the protective layer is composed of a compound ceramic Y₄Al₂O₉ (YAM) and a solid solution Y₂-xZr_(x)O₃ (Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ solid solution), then a Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG) interface layer will be formed. Similarly, a heat treatment will cause a transition layer of EAG to form between Er₂O₃ and Al₂O₃. A heat treatment will also cause a transition layer of YAG to form between Y₂O₃ and Al₂O₃. A heat treatment may also cause GAG to form between Gd₂O₃ and Al₂O₃. A heat treatment of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) over Al₂O₃ can form a transition layer of the compound ceramic of Y₄Al₂O₉ (YAM) and a solid solution Y₂-xZr_(x)O₃. Other transition layers may be formed between other adjacent ceramics.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a process 600 for forming a thin film protective layer over a body of an article such as a chamber component. At block 605 of process 600, an article is provided. At block 610, a determination is made of whether or not to deposit a thick film protective layer onto the article. If a thick film protective layer is to be formed, the method proceeds to block 615. Otherwise, the method continues to block 620.

At block 615, a thermal spray process (e.g., a plasma spray process) is performed to deposit a thick film protective layer onto the article. Prior to performing the thermal spray process, the body of the article may be roughened in some embodiments. The thick film protective layer may be any plasma resistant ceramic. Some examples of thick film protective layers include Y₃Al₆O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Y₂O₃, YSZ, or the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. After the thick film protective layer is formed, for some applications surface features are formed on a surface of the thick film protective layer. For example, if the article is an ESC, then mesas and He holes may be formed. In an alternative embodiment, a plasma resistant ceramic disc or other ceramic structure may be bonded to the body of the article rather than spraying a thick film protective layer.

At block 620, IAD or PVD is performed to deposit a thin film protective layer on the body of the article. If a thick film protective layer was formed at block 615, then the thin film protective layer may be formed over the thick film protective layer as a top coat. The thin film protective layer may be Y₃Al₆O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₆O₁₂, Gd₃Al₆O₁₂, or the ceramic compound of Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. A deposition rate for the thin film protective layer may be about 1-8 Angstroms per second, and may be varied by tuning deposition parameters. The thin film protective layers may be very conforming, may be uniform in thickness, and have a good adhesion to the body/substrate that they are deposited on.

At block 625, a determination is made regarding whether to deposit any additional thin film protective layers. If an additional thin film protective layer is to be deposited, the process continues to block 630. At block 630, another thin film protective layer is formed over the first thin film protective layer. The other thin film protective layer may be composed of a ceramic that is different than a ceramic of the first thin film protective layer. In one embodiment, the other thin film protective layer is one of Y₃Al₆O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₆O₁₂, Gd₃Al₆O₁₂, or the ceramic compound of Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. The method then returns to block 625. If at block 625 no additional thin film protective layers are to be applied, the process ends. After any of the thin film protective layers is deposited, surface features may be formed in that thin film protective layer.

FIG. 7A depicts a deposition mechanism applicable to a variety of deposition techniques utilizing energetic particles such as ion assisted deposition (IAD). Exemplary IAD methods include deposition processes which incorporate ion bombardment, such as evaporation (e.g., activated reactive evaporation (ARE)) and sputtering in the presence of ion bombardment to form plasma resistant coatings as described herein. Any of the IAD methods may be performed in the presence of a reactive gas species, such as O₂, N₂, halogens, etc.

As shown, the thin film protective layer 715 is formed by an accumulation of deposition materials 702 on an article 710 in the presence of energetic particles 703 such as ions. The deposition materials 702 include atoms, ions, radicals, or their mixture. The energetic particles 703 may impinge and compact the thin film protective layer 715 as it is formed.

In one embodiment, IAD is utilized to form the thin film protective layer 715, as previously described elsewhere herein. FIG. 7B depicts a schematic of an IAD deposition apparatus. As shown, a material source 750 provides a flux of deposition materials 702 while an energetic particle source 755 provides a flux of the energetic particles 703, both of which impinge upon the article 710 throughout the IAD process. The energetic particle source 755 may be an Oxygen or other ion source. The energetic particle source 755 may also provide other types of energetic particles such as inert radicals, neutron atoms, and nano-sized particles which come from particle generation sources (e.g., from plasma, reactive gases or from the material source that provide the deposition materials). The material source (e.g., a target body) 750 used to provide the deposition materials 702 may be a bulk sintered ceramic corresponding to the same ceramic that the thin film protective layer 715 is to be composed of. For example, the material source may be a bulk sintered ceramic compound body, or bulk sintered YAG, Er₂O₃, Gd₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, or Gd₃Al₅O₁₂. IAD may utilize one or more plasmas or beams to provide the material and energetic ion sources. Reactive species may also be provided during deposition of the plasma resistant coating. In one embodiment, the energetic particles 703 include at least one of non-reactive species (e.g., Ar) or reactive species (e.g., O). In further embodiments, reactive species such as CO and halogens (Cl, F, Br, etc.) may also be introduced during the formation of a plasma resistant coating to further increase the tendency to selectively remove deposited material most weakly bonded to the thin film protective layer 715.

With IAD processes, the energetic particles 703 may be controlled by the energetic ion (or other particle) source 755 independently of other deposition parameters. According to the energy (e.g., velocity), density and incident angle of the energetic ion flux, composition, structure, crystalline orientation and grain size of the thin film protective layer may be manipulated. Additional parameters that may be adjusted are a temperature of the article during deposition as well as the duration of the deposition. The ion energy may be roughly categorized into low energy ion assist and high energy ion assist. The ions are projected with a higher velocity with high energy ion assist than with low energy ion assist. In general superior performance has been shown with high energy ion assist. Substrate (article) temperature during deposition may be roughly divided into low temperature (around 120-150° C. in one embodiment which is typical room temperature) and high temperature (around 270° C. in one embodiment).

TABLE 2 Example Thin Film Protective Layers Formed Using IAD Thickness Dep. Rate Ion Temp. He leak rate Hardness Material (μm) (A/s) Assist (° C.) XRD (cm³/s) (GPa) 1^(st) Compound 5 2 Low 270 C N/A 4.11 Ceramic 2^(nd) 6 1 for 2 μm Low 270 C + A 5.0E−6 Compound 2 for 4 μm Ceramic 3^(rd) Compound 5 1 Low 270 C + A 6.3E−6 Ceramic 4^(th) Compound 5 1 for 1 μm High 270 A 1.2E−9 7.825 Ceramic 2 for 4 μm 5^(th) Compound 5 1 for 1 μm High 120-150 A 1.2E−9 Ceramic 2 for 4 μm 1^(st) YAG 5 2.5 Low 270 A 3.7E−7 5.7 2^(nd) YAG 5 1 for 1 μm High 270 A  4.4E−10 8.5 2 for 4 μm Compound 5 2 Low 270 C + A 3.7E−7 Ceramic/YAG 1^(st) Er₂O₃ 5 2 Low 270 C   3E−6 2^(nd) Er₂O₃ 5 1 for 1 μm High 270 C 5.5E−9 5.009 2 for 4 μm 1^(st) EAG 7.5 1 for 1 μm High 270 A  9.5E−10 8.485 (calcined 2 for next at 1700° C.) 2^(nd) EAG 7.5 1 for 1 μm High 120-150 A 2.5E−9 9.057 (calcined at 2 for next 1600° C.)

Table 2 shows multiple example thin film protective layers formed using IAD with various deposition parameters. Five different examples are shown for thin film protective layers formed from the ceramic compound of Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂. A first example compound ceramic thin film protective layer has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a low energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 2 angstroms per seconds (A/s). X-ray diffraction showed that the first example compound ceramic thin film protective layer had a crystalline structure. The first example compound ceramic thin film protective layer also had a hardness of 4.11 GPa and visual inspection showed good conformance to the underlying substrate as well as some vertical cracks and some spikes.

A second example compound ceramic thin film protective layer has a thickness of 6 microns, and was formed using IAD with a low energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 1 A/s for the first 2 microns and a deposition rate of 2 A/s for the subsequent 4 microns. X-ray diffraction showed that the second example compound ceramic thin film protective layer had a nano-crystalline structure (in which portions are crystalline and portions are amorphous). When used as a seal, the second example compound ceramic thin film protective layer was able to maintain a vacuum down to 5E-6 cm³/s. Visual inspection of the second example compound ceramic thin film protective layer showed good conformance and fewer vertical cracks than the first example compound ceramic thin film protective layer.

A third example compound ceramic thin film protective layer has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a low energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 1 A/s. X-ray diffraction showed that the third example compound ceramic thin film protective layer had a nano-crystalline structure. When used as a seal, the third example compound ceramic thin film protective layer was able to maintain a vacuum down to 6.3E-6 cm³/s. Visual inspection of the third example compound ceramic thin film protective layer showed good conformance and fewer vertical cracks than the first example compound ceramic thin film protective layer.

A fourth example compound ceramic thin film protective layer has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a high energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 1 A/s for the first micron and 2 A/s for the subsequent 4 microns. X-ray diffraction showed that the third example compound ceramic thin film protective layer had an approximately amorphous structure. When used as a seal, the third example compound ceramic thin film protective layer was able to maintain a vacuum down to 1.2E-9 cm³/s. Visual inspection of the fourth example compound ceramic thin film protective layer showed good conformance, a smooth surface and very few vertical cracks. Additionally, the fourth example compound ceramic thin film protective layer has a hardness of 7.825 GPa.

A fifth example compound thin film protective layer was formed using the same parameters as the fourth example compound thin film protective layer, but with a deposition temperature at room temperature (around 120-150° C.). The fifth example compound thin film protective layer showed similar properties to those of the fourth example compound thin film protective layer.

A first example YAG thin film protective layer has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a low energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 2.5 A/s. X-ray diffraction showed that the first YAG ceramic thin film protective layer had an amorphous structure. The first YAG thin film protective layer also had a hardness of 5.7 GPa and visual inspection showed good conformance, minimal cracking and a smooth surface.

A second example YAG thin film protective layer has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a high energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 1 A/s for a first micron and 2 A/s for the subsequent 4 microns. X-ray diffraction showed that the second YAG thin film protective layer had an amorphous structure. The second YAG thin film protective layer also had a hardness of 8.5 GPa and visual inspection showed good conformance, reduced cracking compared to the first YAG thin film and a smooth surface.

An example thin film protective layer stack with alternating compound ceramic and YAG layers has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a low energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 2 A/s. X-ray diffraction showed that the alternating layers were amorphous (for the YAG layers) and crystalline or nano-crystalline (for the compound ceramic layers). Visual inspection showed reduced vertical cracks for the compound ceramic layers.

A first example Er₂O₃ thin film protective layer has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a low energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 2 A/s. X-ray diffraction showed that the first Er₂O₃ ceramic thin film protective layer had a crystalline structure. Visual inspection showed good conformance and a vertical cracking.

A second example Er₂O₃ thin film protective layer has a thickness of 5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a high energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 1 A/s for the first micron and a deposition rate of 2 A/s for the subsequent 4 microns. X-ray diffraction showed that the second Er₂O₃ ceramic thin film protective layer had a crystalline structure. Visual inspection showed good conformance and a less vertical cracking compared to the first Er₂O₃ ceramic thin film protective layer.

A first example EAG thin film protective layer has a thickness of 7.5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a high energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 270° C., and a deposition rate of 1 A/s for the first micron and a deposition rate of 2 A/s for the subsequent microns. X-ray diffraction showed that the first EAG ceramic thin film protective layer had an amorphous structure, and the layer had a hardness of 8.485 GPa. Visual inspection showed good conformance and minimal cracking.

A second example EAG thin film protective layer has a thickness of 7.5 microns, and was formed using IAD with a high energy ion assist, a deposition temperature of 120-150° C., and a deposition rate of 1 A/s for the first micron and a deposition rate of 2 A/s for the subsequent microns. X-ray diffraction showed that the second EAG ceramic thin film protective layer had an amorphous structure, and the layer had a hardness of 9.057 GPa. Visual inspection showed good conformance and a less cracking compared to the first EAG ceramic thin film protective layer.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate erosion rates for thin film protective layers formed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows erosion rates of thin film protective layers when exposed to a CH₄/Cl₂ plasma chemistry. As shown, the IAD deposited thin film protective layers show a much improved erosion resistance as compared to Al₂O₃. For example, alumina with a 92% purity showed an erosion rate of around 18 nanometers pre radiofrequency hour (nm/RFHr) and alumina with a 99.8% purity showed an erosion rate of about 56 nm/RFHr. In contrast an IAD deposited compound ceramic thin film protective layer showed an erosion rate of about 3 nm/RFHr and an IAD deposited YAG thin film protective layer showed an erosion rate of about 1 nm/RFHr.

FIG. 9 shows erosion rates of thin film protective layers when exposed to a H₂/NF₃ plasma chemistry. As shown, the IAD deposited thin film protective layers show a much improved erosion resistance as compared to Al₂O₃. For example, alumina with a 92% purity showed an erosion rate of around 190 nm/RFHr and alumina with a 99.8% purity showed an erosion rate of about 165 nm/RFHr. In contrast an IAD deposited YAG thin film protective layer showed an erosion rate of about 52 nm/RFHr. Similarly, a compound ceramic thin film protective layer deposited using IAD with low energy ions showed an erosion rate of about 45 nm/RFHr and a compound ceramic thin film protective layer deposited using IAD with high energy ions showed an erosion rate of about 35 nm/RFHr. An EAG thin film protective layer deposited using IAD with high deposition temperature (e.g., around 270° C.) showed an erosion rate of about 95 nm/RFHr and an EAG thin film protective layer deposited using IAD with low deposition temperature (e.g., around 120-150° C.) showed an erosion rate of about 70 nm/RFHr. An Er₂O₃ thin film protective layer deposited using IAD with high energy ions showed an erosion rate of about 35 nm/RFHr.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate roughness profiles for thin film protective layers formed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows surface roughness profiles of thin film protective layers of FIG. 8 before and after exposure to a CH₄/Cl₂ plasma chemistry for 100 RFHrs. As shown, the IAD deposited thin film protective layers show a minimum change in surface roughness after exposure to a CH₄/Cl₂ plasma chemistry for 100 RFHrs.

FIG. 11 shows surface roughness profiles of thin film protective layers of FIG. 9 before and after exposure to an H₂/NF₃ plasma chemistry for 35 RFHrs. As shown, the IAD deposited thin film protective layers show a minimum change in surface roughness after exposure to an H₂/NF₃ plasma chemistry for 35 RFHrs.

The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” When the term “about” or “approximately” is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ±30%.

Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operation may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article comprising: a body; and a first conformal protective layer on at least one surface of the body, wherein the first conformal protective layer is a thin film having a thickness of approximately 0.5-20 microns that comprises a first ceramic selected from a group consisting of Y₃Al₅O₁₂ having a hardness of approximately 8.5 GPa, Er₂O₃ having a hardness of approximately 5 GPa, Er₃Al₅O₁₂ having a hardness of approximately 9 GPa, and a ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ having a hardness of approximately 7.825 GPa.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the first conformal protective layer comprises Er₂O₃, the first conformal protective layer having a crystalline structure with vertical cracks, a hardness of approximately 5 GPa, a surface roughness that matches an underlying surface roughness of the at least one surface, and a hermiticity of around 5.5E-9 cm³/s.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the first conformal protective layer comprises Er₃Al₅O₁₂, the first conformal protective layer having an amorphous structure, a hardness of approximately 9 GPa, a surface roughness that matches an underlying surface roughness of the at least one surface, and a hermiticity of around 9.5E-10 cm³/s.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein: the article comprises a chamber component selected from a group consisting of a chamber lid, a nozzle, a showerhead base, a showerhead gas distribution plate (GDP), a chamber viewport, a process kit ring, a shield, a plasma screen, a flow equalizer, a chamber wall and a liner kit.
 5. The article of claim 1, further comprising: a conformal protective layer stack on the at least one surface of the body, the conformal protective layer stack comprising at least the first conformal protective layer and a second conformal protective layer covering the first conformal protective layer, wherein the second conformal protective layer has a thickness of less than approximately 20 microns and comprises a second ceramic different from the first ceramic, the second ceramic selected from the group consisting of: Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉, Er₂O₃, Er₃Al₅O₁₂, and a ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂.
 6. The article of claim 5, wherein: the first conformal protective layer in the conformal protective layer stack has an amorphous structure and comprises Y₃Al₅O₁₂ or Er₃Al₅O₁₂; and the second conformal protective layer in the conformal protective layer stack has a crystalline or nano-crystalline structure and comprises Er₂O₃ or the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂.
 7. The article of claim 5, wherein the body has a first coefficient of thermal expansion value, the first conformal protective layer has a second coefficient of thermal expansion value, and the second conformal protective layer has a third coefficient of thermal expansion value, wherein the second coefficient of thermal expansion value is between the first coefficient of thermal expansion value and the third coefficient of thermal expansion value.
 8. The article of claim 1, wherein the first conformal protective layer comprises a plurality of surface features that are not on the at least one surface, the plurality of surface features comprising at least one of a mesa, a channel, or a seal ring.
 9. The article of claim 1, wherein the first conformal protective layer comprises the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂, and wherein the first conformal protective layer has an erosion rate of about 3 nm per hour of exposure to a CH₄/C₁₂ plasma chemistry and an erosion rate of about 35 nm per hour of exposure to an H₂/NF₃ plasma chemistry.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a viewport of quartz or sapphire, and wherein the viewport and the first conformal protective layer are transparent to optical signals transmitted through the viewport.
 11. The article of claim 1, wherein the first conformal protective layer has a thickness of 0.5-7.0 microns.
 12. The article of claim 1, wherein the body has a diameter of at least 12 inches, and wherein the at least one surface of the body has a curvature of less than about 50 microns over the body due to film stress associated with the first conformal protective layer.
 13. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface comprises one or more first surface features that are also in the first conformal protective layer, and wherein the first conformal protective layer comprises one or more additional surface features that are not on the at least one surface.
 14. The article of claim 1, wherein the body comprises one or more holes, and wherein the first conformal protective layer does not plug the one or more holes.
 15. The article of claim 1, wherein the first conformal protective layer comprises Er₂O₃ and the body comprises Al₂O₃, the article further comprising: a transition layer between the conformal protective layer and the body, wherein the transition layer comprises Er₃Al₅O₁₂.
 16. The article of claim 1, wherein the body comprises at least one of Al₂O₃, AlN, Al, anodized Al, Titanium, stainless steel, quartz, sapphire, Si or SiC.
 17. The article of claim 1, further comprising: a second protective layer on the at least one surface of the body, wherein the second protective layer is a thick film having a thickness of greater than approximately 100 microns that comprises a second ceramic selected from a group consisting of Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y Al₂O₉, Y₂O₃, and the ceramic compound comprising Y₄Al₂O₉ and a solid-solution of Y₂O₃—ZrO₂, wherein the first conformal protective layer covers the second protective layer.
 18. The article of claim 1, wherein a first roughness of the first conformal protective layer is approximately the same as a second roughness of the body.
 19. The article of claim 1, wherein the first conformal protective layer has an erosion resistance property that will cause it to change in average surface roughness (Ra) by not more than approximately 8 μin after 100 hours of exposure to CH₄/C₁₂ plasma chemistry.
 20. The article of claim 1, wherein the term “approximately” with respect to the hardness of the first conformal protective layer means±less than 30%. 